Sorry I couldn't post sooner; I've just been really busy. I hope you guys
like this!!
Chapter 13
Five months later in Paris.
"Melinda, where are your shoes?!" Theresa yelled at the model that was getting her hair done.
"I don't know, Helen was supposed to bring them to me, but she never did," Melinda replied.
"Dammit! You're supposed to go on that walkway in lest than five minutes! I need those damn shoes!" Theresa exclaimed on the verge of freaking out. 'Helen's probably making out with her boyfriend somewhere!' Theresa thought angrily, referring to the young assistant that she hired.
"Looking for these?" Fox asked as he gave Theresa the pair of shoes that she was looking for.
"You are a life saver, where did you find these?" Theresa asked as she handed the shoes to Melinda and made her way out of the dressing room.
"I found them outside a closet and being the curious,"
"You mean nosey," Theresa interrupted as they continued to walk down the hall.
"Person that I am," Fox continued choosing to ignore Theresa's comment. "I peeked in the closet and saw Helen making out with some guy that I presume is her boyfriend."
"Remind me to fire her," Theresa said while rolling her eyes. "As if planning one of the biggest fashion shows in Paris isn't hard enough, I have to worry about an assistant who doesn't know how to assist."
"Oh, the life of a fashion designer, will it never end?" Fox replied with mock exasperation.
"Very funny, go ahead and make jokes," Theresa replied as the reached the curtain leading to the runway. "This is it, Fox. If these people like me, I know that I have succeeded as a fashion designer," Theresa said referring to the tough fashion critics of Paris (I pay no attention to fashion, so I'm assuming with the tough critic comment).
"You've already succeeded as a fashion designer, regardless of what they think. You're great at what you do," Fox said encouraging Theresa.
"Thank you," Theresa said reaching up to give Fox a sweet kiss on the lips.
"All right, enough of that," Brady joked as he and Charity came up behind Fox and Theresa. All four of them laughed before the music started and the models started to go on stage.
Almost two hours later, the show was ending and Theresa just exited the stage with a standing ovation.
"Did you hear that?" she asked Brady, Fox, and Charity with a huge smile on her face. "They loved it, this is so amazing!"
"Congratulations baby," Fox said pulling Theresa into a hug and spinning her around.
"Yeah, Theresa, we're so happy for you," Charity said going to hug Theresa after Fox put her down.
"Good job Resa," Brady said also hugging Theresa.
"Thanks guys, you're the best. Now how about we get out of here. Paris is a beautiful city, but I really miss my bed at home," Theresa said walking down the hall with Fox's arms around her.
"Same here," Charity replied taking Brady's hand and walking down the hall with Theresa and Fox.
Turning the corner, Theresa bumped into someone, knocking her and Fox back a few steps.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you," Theresa apologized, not yet looking up.
"It's quite alright, Theresa," the stranger replied. Theresa, along with Fox, Brady, and Charity, looked up at the man who referred to her as Theresa instead of Ms. Lopez-Fitzgerald like most people did.
"I'm sorry, but do I know you?" Theresa asked the man with the familiar voice but unfamiliar face.
"You don't, but I do," Fox replied, his voice suddenly steel and emotionless. "What do you want?" he asked.
"Now Fox, that's no way to talk to your grandfather," the man replied.
"Grandfather?" Theresa asked. "You're Alistair?" she asked.
"Yes, I am. It's nice to finally meet you Theresa," Alistair said.
"I asked you a question," Fox said turning Alistair's attention away from Theresa. "What do you want?" he repeated.
"I came to see Theresa's show, after all she is the girlfriend of my first grandchild," Alistair replied
"Why don't I believe that's the only reason you came here?" Fox asked suspiciously.
"Because it's not. I came for other reasons. One of which was to meet my half-grandchild," Alistair, replied looking at Charity. "It's nice to meet you Charity," Alistair replied with a touch of emotion.
"It's nice to meet you too," Charity replied somewhat timidly.
"And what's the other reason you came here?" Fox asked still on guard.
"Quite the serious one aren't you, Fox?" Alistair asked. "No need to worry I'm not here to cause trouble. I wanted to tell you and Charity, face to face, that I'm retiring and letting Julian take over the Crane Empire. I also wanted to thank you guys for making Julian a man I can depend on to be in control."
A look of shock came across the faces of Fox, Theresa, Charity, and even Brady. One thought floated through each of their minds. 'Did Alistair Crane just say thank you?'
"From the looks on your faces, I can tell that you are as shocked as Samantha and Victoria were. However, the shock of all of you is nothing compared to Julian's shock. I think he could have caught flies with how long he left his mouth open," Alistair said with a laugh.
"The world is coming to an end; my grandfather just gave a real, non- cynical, non-threatening, laugh," Fox said still surprised by Alistair's announcement.
"Yes well it shocked me too. Don't get me wrong, I still put the Crane name before all else, but now I feel that Julian is capable of doing the same thing, in a less aggressive way," Alistair replied. Turning back to Charity and Brady, Alistair spoke again.
"You make sure you take care of my granddaughter," he said with a threatening tone looking at Brady.
"I will sir," Brady said not wanting to piss off the infamous Alistair Crane.
"Good, and you take care of Fox, Theresa. I know he's a handful, so good luck," he joked.
"I will Mr. Crane," Theresa replied still somewhat shocked.
"I know you will," Alistair replied before reaching over and hugging Fox. "You've become a good man. I proud of you," he said to Fox. Alistair then went over to Theresa and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheeks. He did the same to Charity and then shook hands with Brady. "You four take care of yourselves, okay," he said before turning and leaving before anyone could say anything else.
"Did that just happen?" Theresa asked once Alistair was out of view.
"I think it did, but I'm not too sure," Charity replied, equally confused.
"Well that's Alistair for you, he always does the unexpected, I'm not complaining though. My father deserves the chance to control Crane Empire," Fox said taking Theresa's hand and continuing to walk.
"Is it just me, or does it seem that every male member in your family feels the need to threaten me?" Brady asked Charity as he put his arms around her shoulder and walked down the hall.
"What can I say, I've got one of the best families ever," Charity joked.
"You're damn right you do," Fox added with a smile. They continued to joke and laugh as they made their way out of the building and toward the airport.
Three months later.
Julian entered the Crane mansion after a long day of work at Crane Industries. He headed toward the living room to get a glass of brandy. Upon entering the room, Julian saw Ivy and Ethan talking to each other. They both looked up at him as he entered and then rolled their eyes.
"Ah, if it isn't my lying ex-wife and her confused and moronic child. How are you two this evening?" Julian said.
"What do you want Julian?" Ivy asked already annoyed with his presence.
"Well I want to have you two, along with Rebecca and Gwen, out of my house, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen," Julian replied with a roll of his eyes.
"You're damn right it isn't, so get used to it," Ivy replied smugly.
"Don't get too smug Ivy. I'm letting you stay here out of the goodness of my heart, not out of obligation," Julian replied.
"Please Julian. The only reason you are allowing us to stay here is because it'll look bad to your new image if you kick us out, so spare me the 'kind heart' speech," Ethan said, speaking up for the first time.
"Oh and yes, the always bitter and regretful Ethan Winthrop. I see you haven't changed," Julian replied.
"You know what Julian, I'm not in the mood for you," Ethan said getting up and leaving the room.
"Must you always be so rude to him?" Ivy asked as she glared at Julian.
"What do you want me to do? He obviously cares about me as much as I care about him, and that's very little. Not only that, but he walks around this house as if everyone else is to blame for the fact that Theresa left him. He has no one to blame but himself and I will not sit here and baby him like you and Gwen choose to do," Julian replied.
"We do not baby him! He is my son and as his mother, it's my duty to take care of him, as is Gwen's duties as his wife. Of course you would know anything about parental duties, now would you?" Ivy asked causing Julian to look up at her sharply and headed toward her.
"Don't you dare sit here and tell me about being a good parent when you never even spent more than five minutes with any of your other three children! At least I am now making an effort to be a good father to my children, what the hell are you doing?" Julian yelled.
"Yeah, you're trying to be a good father, too bad it took twenty three years and the discovery of your first daughter for you to finally make that decision!" Ivy yelled.
"Better late than never Ivy," Julian replied walking toward the doorway. Before leaving he stopped and turned around. "I may have not been a good father before, but I'm trying now. I know that when my children look at me they will be able to say that I love them and that they love me. Not only that but they will be able to say that they are proud of me. What do you think they'll say when they look at you?" he asked before leaving a speechless Ivy in the living room.
Julian rang the doorbell of the Lopez-Fitzgerald house and waited for someone to answer it. After a minute, Pilar appeared at the door, wearing a shocked expression on her face at seeing Julian there.
"I know you're surprised to see me here, but do you mind if I come in?" Julian asked, hoping Pilar would let him in.
"Why should I let you in? You and your family have done nothing but hurt mine," Pilar replied a bit harshly.
"That's exactly why I'm here. I wanted to apologize for everything," Julian replied. Pilar stared at him for a few seconds before hesitantly letting him into her house. Walking in, Julian took a seat on the couch and waited for Pilar to sit down.
"Where is everyone else?" Julian asked trying to make conversation.
"Miguel is at work, and Luis and Antonio are in the kitchen with Sheridan and Beth," (A/N Luis is engaged Sheridan, Antonio is with Beth).
"Oh, well why don't you tell them to come here, I'd also like to apologize to them," Julian said.
"Very well," Pilar replied going to the kitchen. She returned a minute later with them, Luis and Antonio wearing grim expressions.
"What do you want Crane?" Luis asked rudely.
"I wanted to apologize to all of you. As you all know, I found my first daughter a couple of months ago," Julian replied referring to Charity. He quickly continued talking seeing that Antonio and Luis's expressions weren't changing. "Finding out about her made me realize what a self-centered bastard I have been to everyone around me. I've already apologized to everyone that matters, which are my children, but I wanted to come here a personally apologize to all of you. I have treated this family like crap and at times I have gone out of my way to make some of you miserable, and I'm sorry," he said.
"What makes you think we're going to believe you?" Antonio asked.
"I don't know. I've never given any one of you a reason to believe me, but I am sorry," Julian said. He turned to Luis and Sheridan. "Luis, Sheridan, words can't express how sorry I am for what I put you two through. You two just wanted to be in love and I did almost everything in my power to stop you. I see now that nothing and no one could ever keep you two apart. I wish both of you the best in life and in your upcoming wedding."
"Thank you Julian," Sheridan replied somewhat shocked.
"You're welcome," he replied. Turning to Antonio and Beth, Julian spoke up again. "I also wish you two the best of luck in your relationship. You both deserve it."
"Thank you," Beth replied seeing that Antonio was still shocked by Julian's admission. Julian finally turned to Pilar and started speaking.
"Pilar, I know that I don't deserve you forgiveness. I hurt you, your sons, and your only daughter. But I'm truly sorry, for everything. I hope that one day you will be able to forgive me," Julian replied in one of the most sincere voices anyone of them had ever heard. Pilar looked at Julian for a few seconds before replying.
"I'm a forgiving woman Julian. I'm sure it took a lot for you to come here and apologize face to face, so if you can do that, I can surely forgive you," Pilar replied holding out her hand for Julian to shake.
"Thank you very much," Julian replied joyfully as he shook Pilar's hand.
"You're not done with the apologies Julian," Luis replied taking Julian's attention away from Pilar.
"I admit, I'm shocked that you had the guts to come here and apologize to us, and I can forgive you for all that you've done to us, but what you did to Theresa isn't something we can just forget," Luis said. "You owe her a big apology," he added.
"I know," Julian replied. "I actually apologized to Theresa months ago," he added instantly regretting it seeing the shocked look that came across everyone's face.
"What do you mean?" Pilar asked coming up to Julian. "Do you know where my daughter is? Have you been keeping contact with her?"
"What I meant was." Julian started trying to come up with an excuse.
"Where the hell is Theresa, Julian?" Luis asked as he and Antonio also made their way toward Julian.
"I can't exactly tell you where she is, she doesn't want anyone to know. But she's okay and very happy," Julian said trying to convince them.
"Why the hell do you know where she is, and why doesn't she want anyone to know?" Antonio asked.
"She just doesn't want any surprise visits from anyone in Harmony. I think she just wants to live her life without too many memories of Ethan and this town," Julian replied, purposely ignoring the first part of Antonio's question. Unfortunately, Pilar noticed.
"And why do you know all of this Julian? Why do you know where my daughter is, while her own family doesn't?" she asked.
"Well..."Julian started trying to think of an excuse without telling them about Fox. 'That's something that she should tell them herself,' Julian thought. Coming up with an excuse, Julian spoke up.
"Well Theresa and Charity are very good friends and, naturally, she and I talk whenever I go to visit Charity or when I call, seeing as how she and Charity live together," Julian said. 'Well, it's not a complete lie' he thought. Apparently, that was a good enough excuse for them.
"All right Julian, I believe you," Luis said. "Look, when you talk to Theresa again, could you tell her that we all miss her and that we're thinking about her?" he said.
"Of course," Julian replied. He reached over and hugged Sheridan before turning towards the door. "Thank you again for forgiving me and I hope that this is the start of a good friendship," he said before leaving the house full of five shocked residents.
"Hawaii," Fox said randomly as he and Theresa were watching the television in their room.
"What?" Theresa asked confused.
"Our two-year anniversary is next week, let's spend it in Hawaii," Fox explained.
"Really? Are you serious?" Theresa asked excitedly.
"Yeah, why not. The last time we were there was when Charity had a show and we barely had time to enjoy it. I could have the Crane jet fly us there as early as tomorrow morning. We could stay for two weeks, what do you say?"
"I say hell yeah!" Theresa said as she jumped on the bed. "This is going to be so much fun! I love you so much!" she said jumping on top of Fox and attacking his lips.
"I love you too Dreamer," Fox said in between the kisses Theresa was giving him.
"I've got to start packing now!" Theresa said jumping off of Fox and heading toward her closet. Fox sat back and watched as Theresa ran around the room trying to figure out what to pack. The more he watched her, the more his love grew for her. 'It's only a matter of time before you're mine forever' Fox thought as Theresa continued to pack.
As planned, Theresa and Fox left California early the next morning. They arrived in Hawaii a few hours later and spent the whole first day in their hotel making love. Their entire stay there was spent either at the beach or their room. It was their last day in Hawaii and Fox wanted to have dinner with Theresa in one the hotel's ballroom.
"Tell me again why we couldn't just order room service?" Theresa asked as they headed toward the ballroom.
"Because this is our last night here and I wanted to have a real dinner at a real table," Fox replied.
"Well, wouldn't you rather spend it in bed?" Theresa asked suggestively while reaching up and kissing Fox's neck.
"Stop, we're going to be late," Fox said not really wanting Theresa to stop.
"Fine," she said with a small pout. "But you better make this up to me when we get back to our room."
"Don't worry, I plan to," Fox replied.
Fox and Theresa reached the door of the ballroom and walked in. Upon entering, Theresa saw most of her closest friends standing there looking at her.
"What are you guys doing here?" Theresa asked confused. When no one answered, Theresa looked up at Fox hoping to get some kind of explanation. Fox simply took her hand in his and led her to the middle of the room before speaking.
"Theresa, ever since I met you, I've felt like I could do anything. You make me feel things I've never felt before and I can't tell you how amazing that makes me feel. You are a beautiful, loving, woman and if you give me the chance, I would love to share my love for you for the rest of my life," Fox said as he bent down on one knee and brought out a small box.
"Fox," Theresa gasped understanding what Fox was about to do. Tears were already spilling down her eyes and her heart was beating faster in anticipation.
"Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, would you the do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Fox asked nervously.
"Yes!" Theresa screamed jumping up and down. Fox slipped the ring on Theresa finger and reached up and grabbed her into a hug. He gave her a passionate kiss as everyone else in the room clapped and whistled.
"I love you so much baby," Fox said as he continued to shower Theresa with kisses, ignoring the tears that were falling down his eyes.
"I love you too, Fox. I can't wait to become your wife," Theresa said as tears continued to fall down her eyes. Soon, many guests were coming over to them to congratulate them.
"I'm so happy for you Resa!" Charity said grabbing Theresa into a hug. "We're going to be sisters!" she exclaimed.
"I know! This is going to be so great!" Theresa said just as excited.
"Congratulations man," Brady said hugging Fox.
"Thanks," Fox replied putting his arms around Theresa.
"We're proud of you son," Julian said as he and Alistair came to congratulate him and Theresa.
"Make sure you take care of your bride-to-be," Alistair as he hugged Theresa and Fox.
"Oh, I will," Fox replied.
"Well we won't keep you, we know a lot of people are waiting to talk to you. We'll talk to you guys later tonight," Julian said as he and Alistair walked away with Brady and Charity.
Almost an hour later, Theresa was sitting at a table with Charity, Samantha, and Victoria, making plans for her wedding.
"You guys have to be in my wedding," Theresa said. "And you have to be my maid of honor," she said looking at Charity.
"I'd love to," Charity replied hugging Theresa.
"This is so cool, we'll all be like sisters," Samantha said excitedly.
"I know! You'll be a great addition to the family," Victoria said looking at Theresa.
"Thanks guys, that means a lot to me," Theresa replied, unable to keep the smile off of her face.
"Group hug!" Charity said before grabbing Theresa and her sisters into a hug all the while laughing with them.
Fox sat at another table with his father, grandfather, and Brady.
"You're a lucky man," Julian said.
"I know," Fox replied watching Theresa as she laughed along with his sisters. Turning to the people at his table, Fox spoke again.
"I want to ask you guys a favor," he said. Turning to his father and grandfather he said, "I would like you two to be groomsmen in the wedding."
"I'd be honored to," Julian replied.
"Me too," Alistair added.
"Thank you," Fox replied. "And you," he said turning to Brady. "It's a give in that you're going to be my best man, am I right?"
"Definitely," Brady replied patting Fox on the back. "Like I'd let you pick someone else," he joked.
"Great, thanks again, all of you," Fox said looking at the three men.
"We're happy for you man, congratulations again," Brady said.
"Thanks," Fox said before turning his head to continue to look at Theresa.
A few hours later, Fox and Theresa were getting ready for bed in their hotel room.
"I still can't believe you went through the trouble of flying our friends over here, just for me," Theresa said.
"Well I figured you'd want them around for this important moment," Fox said as he started to nibble on Theresa's ear.
"You're so amazing, do you know that?" Theresa asked.
"I know, feel free to spread the word," Fox joked as he started to pull down the straps of Theresa's nightgown.
"I think I will," Theresa responded, barely able to concentrate on talking with Fox kissing her neck.
"You do that," Fox said before taking Theresa's lips in his own and making love to her. A few hours later, Theresa and Fox lay in bed thinking of all they had been through since they met each other.
"I love you so much, Theresa," Fox said as his eyelids started to feel heavy.
"I love you too, Fox," Theresa replied slowly drifting off to sleep with her fiancé.
TBC
I got the whole idea of Fox's proposal from an episode of 7th Heaven, lol it was the only thing I could think of.
Next Chapter - Theresa, Fox, Charity, and Brady decide to head back to Harmony - How does everyone react??
Please leave feedback!!!
Chapter 13
Five months later in Paris.
"Melinda, where are your shoes?!" Theresa yelled at the model that was getting her hair done.
"I don't know, Helen was supposed to bring them to me, but she never did," Melinda replied.
"Dammit! You're supposed to go on that walkway in lest than five minutes! I need those damn shoes!" Theresa exclaimed on the verge of freaking out. 'Helen's probably making out with her boyfriend somewhere!' Theresa thought angrily, referring to the young assistant that she hired.
"Looking for these?" Fox asked as he gave Theresa the pair of shoes that she was looking for.
"You are a life saver, where did you find these?" Theresa asked as she handed the shoes to Melinda and made her way out of the dressing room.
"I found them outside a closet and being the curious,"
"You mean nosey," Theresa interrupted as they continued to walk down the hall.
"Person that I am," Fox continued choosing to ignore Theresa's comment. "I peeked in the closet and saw Helen making out with some guy that I presume is her boyfriend."
"Remind me to fire her," Theresa said while rolling her eyes. "As if planning one of the biggest fashion shows in Paris isn't hard enough, I have to worry about an assistant who doesn't know how to assist."
"Oh, the life of a fashion designer, will it never end?" Fox replied with mock exasperation.
"Very funny, go ahead and make jokes," Theresa replied as the reached the curtain leading to the runway. "This is it, Fox. If these people like me, I know that I have succeeded as a fashion designer," Theresa said referring to the tough fashion critics of Paris (I pay no attention to fashion, so I'm assuming with the tough critic comment).
"You've already succeeded as a fashion designer, regardless of what they think. You're great at what you do," Fox said encouraging Theresa.
"Thank you," Theresa said reaching up to give Fox a sweet kiss on the lips.
"All right, enough of that," Brady joked as he and Charity came up behind Fox and Theresa. All four of them laughed before the music started and the models started to go on stage.
Almost two hours later, the show was ending and Theresa just exited the stage with a standing ovation.
"Did you hear that?" she asked Brady, Fox, and Charity with a huge smile on her face. "They loved it, this is so amazing!"
"Congratulations baby," Fox said pulling Theresa into a hug and spinning her around.
"Yeah, Theresa, we're so happy for you," Charity said going to hug Theresa after Fox put her down.
"Good job Resa," Brady said also hugging Theresa.
"Thanks guys, you're the best. Now how about we get out of here. Paris is a beautiful city, but I really miss my bed at home," Theresa said walking down the hall with Fox's arms around her.
"Same here," Charity replied taking Brady's hand and walking down the hall with Theresa and Fox.
Turning the corner, Theresa bumped into someone, knocking her and Fox back a few steps.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you," Theresa apologized, not yet looking up.
"It's quite alright, Theresa," the stranger replied. Theresa, along with Fox, Brady, and Charity, looked up at the man who referred to her as Theresa instead of Ms. Lopez-Fitzgerald like most people did.
"I'm sorry, but do I know you?" Theresa asked the man with the familiar voice but unfamiliar face.
"You don't, but I do," Fox replied, his voice suddenly steel and emotionless. "What do you want?" he asked.
"Now Fox, that's no way to talk to your grandfather," the man replied.
"Grandfather?" Theresa asked. "You're Alistair?" she asked.
"Yes, I am. It's nice to finally meet you Theresa," Alistair said.
"I asked you a question," Fox said turning Alistair's attention away from Theresa. "What do you want?" he repeated.
"I came to see Theresa's show, after all she is the girlfriend of my first grandchild," Alistair replied
"Why don't I believe that's the only reason you came here?" Fox asked suspiciously.
"Because it's not. I came for other reasons. One of which was to meet my half-grandchild," Alistair, replied looking at Charity. "It's nice to meet you Charity," Alistair replied with a touch of emotion.
"It's nice to meet you too," Charity replied somewhat timidly.
"And what's the other reason you came here?" Fox asked still on guard.
"Quite the serious one aren't you, Fox?" Alistair asked. "No need to worry I'm not here to cause trouble. I wanted to tell you and Charity, face to face, that I'm retiring and letting Julian take over the Crane Empire. I also wanted to thank you guys for making Julian a man I can depend on to be in control."
A look of shock came across the faces of Fox, Theresa, Charity, and even Brady. One thought floated through each of their minds. 'Did Alistair Crane just say thank you?'
"From the looks on your faces, I can tell that you are as shocked as Samantha and Victoria were. However, the shock of all of you is nothing compared to Julian's shock. I think he could have caught flies with how long he left his mouth open," Alistair said with a laugh.
"The world is coming to an end; my grandfather just gave a real, non- cynical, non-threatening, laugh," Fox said still surprised by Alistair's announcement.
"Yes well it shocked me too. Don't get me wrong, I still put the Crane name before all else, but now I feel that Julian is capable of doing the same thing, in a less aggressive way," Alistair replied. Turning back to Charity and Brady, Alistair spoke again.
"You make sure you take care of my granddaughter," he said with a threatening tone looking at Brady.
"I will sir," Brady said not wanting to piss off the infamous Alistair Crane.
"Good, and you take care of Fox, Theresa. I know he's a handful, so good luck," he joked.
"I will Mr. Crane," Theresa replied still somewhat shocked.
"I know you will," Alistair replied before reaching over and hugging Fox. "You've become a good man. I proud of you," he said to Fox. Alistair then went over to Theresa and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheeks. He did the same to Charity and then shook hands with Brady. "You four take care of yourselves, okay," he said before turning and leaving before anyone could say anything else.
"Did that just happen?" Theresa asked once Alistair was out of view.
"I think it did, but I'm not too sure," Charity replied, equally confused.
"Well that's Alistair for you, he always does the unexpected, I'm not complaining though. My father deserves the chance to control Crane Empire," Fox said taking Theresa's hand and continuing to walk.
"Is it just me, or does it seem that every male member in your family feels the need to threaten me?" Brady asked Charity as he put his arms around her shoulder and walked down the hall.
"What can I say, I've got one of the best families ever," Charity joked.
"You're damn right you do," Fox added with a smile. They continued to joke and laugh as they made their way out of the building and toward the airport.
Three months later.
Julian entered the Crane mansion after a long day of work at Crane Industries. He headed toward the living room to get a glass of brandy. Upon entering the room, Julian saw Ivy and Ethan talking to each other. They both looked up at him as he entered and then rolled their eyes.
"Ah, if it isn't my lying ex-wife and her confused and moronic child. How are you two this evening?" Julian said.
"What do you want Julian?" Ivy asked already annoyed with his presence.
"Well I want to have you two, along with Rebecca and Gwen, out of my house, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen," Julian replied with a roll of his eyes.
"You're damn right it isn't, so get used to it," Ivy replied smugly.
"Don't get too smug Ivy. I'm letting you stay here out of the goodness of my heart, not out of obligation," Julian replied.
"Please Julian. The only reason you are allowing us to stay here is because it'll look bad to your new image if you kick us out, so spare me the 'kind heart' speech," Ethan said, speaking up for the first time.
"Oh and yes, the always bitter and regretful Ethan Winthrop. I see you haven't changed," Julian replied.
"You know what Julian, I'm not in the mood for you," Ethan said getting up and leaving the room.
"Must you always be so rude to him?" Ivy asked as she glared at Julian.
"What do you want me to do? He obviously cares about me as much as I care about him, and that's very little. Not only that, but he walks around this house as if everyone else is to blame for the fact that Theresa left him. He has no one to blame but himself and I will not sit here and baby him like you and Gwen choose to do," Julian replied.
"We do not baby him! He is my son and as his mother, it's my duty to take care of him, as is Gwen's duties as his wife. Of course you would know anything about parental duties, now would you?" Ivy asked causing Julian to look up at her sharply and headed toward her.
"Don't you dare sit here and tell me about being a good parent when you never even spent more than five minutes with any of your other three children! At least I am now making an effort to be a good father to my children, what the hell are you doing?" Julian yelled.
"Yeah, you're trying to be a good father, too bad it took twenty three years and the discovery of your first daughter for you to finally make that decision!" Ivy yelled.
"Better late than never Ivy," Julian replied walking toward the doorway. Before leaving he stopped and turned around. "I may have not been a good father before, but I'm trying now. I know that when my children look at me they will be able to say that I love them and that they love me. Not only that but they will be able to say that they are proud of me. What do you think they'll say when they look at you?" he asked before leaving a speechless Ivy in the living room.
Julian rang the doorbell of the Lopez-Fitzgerald house and waited for someone to answer it. After a minute, Pilar appeared at the door, wearing a shocked expression on her face at seeing Julian there.
"I know you're surprised to see me here, but do you mind if I come in?" Julian asked, hoping Pilar would let him in.
"Why should I let you in? You and your family have done nothing but hurt mine," Pilar replied a bit harshly.
"That's exactly why I'm here. I wanted to apologize for everything," Julian replied. Pilar stared at him for a few seconds before hesitantly letting him into her house. Walking in, Julian took a seat on the couch and waited for Pilar to sit down.
"Where is everyone else?" Julian asked trying to make conversation.
"Miguel is at work, and Luis and Antonio are in the kitchen with Sheridan and Beth," (A/N Luis is engaged Sheridan, Antonio is with Beth).
"Oh, well why don't you tell them to come here, I'd also like to apologize to them," Julian said.
"Very well," Pilar replied going to the kitchen. She returned a minute later with them, Luis and Antonio wearing grim expressions.
"What do you want Crane?" Luis asked rudely.
"I wanted to apologize to all of you. As you all know, I found my first daughter a couple of months ago," Julian replied referring to Charity. He quickly continued talking seeing that Antonio and Luis's expressions weren't changing. "Finding out about her made me realize what a self-centered bastard I have been to everyone around me. I've already apologized to everyone that matters, which are my children, but I wanted to come here a personally apologize to all of you. I have treated this family like crap and at times I have gone out of my way to make some of you miserable, and I'm sorry," he said.
"What makes you think we're going to believe you?" Antonio asked.
"I don't know. I've never given any one of you a reason to believe me, but I am sorry," Julian said. He turned to Luis and Sheridan. "Luis, Sheridan, words can't express how sorry I am for what I put you two through. You two just wanted to be in love and I did almost everything in my power to stop you. I see now that nothing and no one could ever keep you two apart. I wish both of you the best in life and in your upcoming wedding."
"Thank you Julian," Sheridan replied somewhat shocked.
"You're welcome," he replied. Turning to Antonio and Beth, Julian spoke up again. "I also wish you two the best of luck in your relationship. You both deserve it."
"Thank you," Beth replied seeing that Antonio was still shocked by Julian's admission. Julian finally turned to Pilar and started speaking.
"Pilar, I know that I don't deserve you forgiveness. I hurt you, your sons, and your only daughter. But I'm truly sorry, for everything. I hope that one day you will be able to forgive me," Julian replied in one of the most sincere voices anyone of them had ever heard. Pilar looked at Julian for a few seconds before replying.
"I'm a forgiving woman Julian. I'm sure it took a lot for you to come here and apologize face to face, so if you can do that, I can surely forgive you," Pilar replied holding out her hand for Julian to shake.
"Thank you very much," Julian replied joyfully as he shook Pilar's hand.
"You're not done with the apologies Julian," Luis replied taking Julian's attention away from Pilar.
"I admit, I'm shocked that you had the guts to come here and apologize to us, and I can forgive you for all that you've done to us, but what you did to Theresa isn't something we can just forget," Luis said. "You owe her a big apology," he added.
"I know," Julian replied. "I actually apologized to Theresa months ago," he added instantly regretting it seeing the shocked look that came across everyone's face.
"What do you mean?" Pilar asked coming up to Julian. "Do you know where my daughter is? Have you been keeping contact with her?"
"What I meant was." Julian started trying to come up with an excuse.
"Where the hell is Theresa, Julian?" Luis asked as he and Antonio also made their way toward Julian.
"I can't exactly tell you where she is, she doesn't want anyone to know. But she's okay and very happy," Julian said trying to convince them.
"Why the hell do you know where she is, and why doesn't she want anyone to know?" Antonio asked.
"She just doesn't want any surprise visits from anyone in Harmony. I think she just wants to live her life without too many memories of Ethan and this town," Julian replied, purposely ignoring the first part of Antonio's question. Unfortunately, Pilar noticed.
"And why do you know all of this Julian? Why do you know where my daughter is, while her own family doesn't?" she asked.
"Well..."Julian started trying to think of an excuse without telling them about Fox. 'That's something that she should tell them herself,' Julian thought. Coming up with an excuse, Julian spoke up.
"Well Theresa and Charity are very good friends and, naturally, she and I talk whenever I go to visit Charity or when I call, seeing as how she and Charity live together," Julian said. 'Well, it's not a complete lie' he thought. Apparently, that was a good enough excuse for them.
"All right Julian, I believe you," Luis said. "Look, when you talk to Theresa again, could you tell her that we all miss her and that we're thinking about her?" he said.
"Of course," Julian replied. He reached over and hugged Sheridan before turning towards the door. "Thank you again for forgiving me and I hope that this is the start of a good friendship," he said before leaving the house full of five shocked residents.
"Hawaii," Fox said randomly as he and Theresa were watching the television in their room.
"What?" Theresa asked confused.
"Our two-year anniversary is next week, let's spend it in Hawaii," Fox explained.
"Really? Are you serious?" Theresa asked excitedly.
"Yeah, why not. The last time we were there was when Charity had a show and we barely had time to enjoy it. I could have the Crane jet fly us there as early as tomorrow morning. We could stay for two weeks, what do you say?"
"I say hell yeah!" Theresa said as she jumped on the bed. "This is going to be so much fun! I love you so much!" she said jumping on top of Fox and attacking his lips.
"I love you too Dreamer," Fox said in between the kisses Theresa was giving him.
"I've got to start packing now!" Theresa said jumping off of Fox and heading toward her closet. Fox sat back and watched as Theresa ran around the room trying to figure out what to pack. The more he watched her, the more his love grew for her. 'It's only a matter of time before you're mine forever' Fox thought as Theresa continued to pack.
As planned, Theresa and Fox left California early the next morning. They arrived in Hawaii a few hours later and spent the whole first day in their hotel making love. Their entire stay there was spent either at the beach or their room. It was their last day in Hawaii and Fox wanted to have dinner with Theresa in one the hotel's ballroom.
"Tell me again why we couldn't just order room service?" Theresa asked as they headed toward the ballroom.
"Because this is our last night here and I wanted to have a real dinner at a real table," Fox replied.
"Well, wouldn't you rather spend it in bed?" Theresa asked suggestively while reaching up and kissing Fox's neck.
"Stop, we're going to be late," Fox said not really wanting Theresa to stop.
"Fine," she said with a small pout. "But you better make this up to me when we get back to our room."
"Don't worry, I plan to," Fox replied.
Fox and Theresa reached the door of the ballroom and walked in. Upon entering, Theresa saw most of her closest friends standing there looking at her.
"What are you guys doing here?" Theresa asked confused. When no one answered, Theresa looked up at Fox hoping to get some kind of explanation. Fox simply took her hand in his and led her to the middle of the room before speaking.
"Theresa, ever since I met you, I've felt like I could do anything. You make me feel things I've never felt before and I can't tell you how amazing that makes me feel. You are a beautiful, loving, woman and if you give me the chance, I would love to share my love for you for the rest of my life," Fox said as he bent down on one knee and brought out a small box.
"Fox," Theresa gasped understanding what Fox was about to do. Tears were already spilling down her eyes and her heart was beating faster in anticipation.
"Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, would you the do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Fox asked nervously.
"Yes!" Theresa screamed jumping up and down. Fox slipped the ring on Theresa finger and reached up and grabbed her into a hug. He gave her a passionate kiss as everyone else in the room clapped and whistled.
"I love you so much baby," Fox said as he continued to shower Theresa with kisses, ignoring the tears that were falling down his eyes.
"I love you too, Fox. I can't wait to become your wife," Theresa said as tears continued to fall down her eyes. Soon, many guests were coming over to them to congratulate them.
"I'm so happy for you Resa!" Charity said grabbing Theresa into a hug. "We're going to be sisters!" she exclaimed.
"I know! This is going to be so great!" Theresa said just as excited.
"Congratulations man," Brady said hugging Fox.
"Thanks," Fox replied putting his arms around Theresa.
"We're proud of you son," Julian said as he and Alistair came to congratulate him and Theresa.
"Make sure you take care of your bride-to-be," Alistair as he hugged Theresa and Fox.
"Oh, I will," Fox replied.
"Well we won't keep you, we know a lot of people are waiting to talk to you. We'll talk to you guys later tonight," Julian said as he and Alistair walked away with Brady and Charity.
Almost an hour later, Theresa was sitting at a table with Charity, Samantha, and Victoria, making plans for her wedding.
"You guys have to be in my wedding," Theresa said. "And you have to be my maid of honor," she said looking at Charity.
"I'd love to," Charity replied hugging Theresa.
"This is so cool, we'll all be like sisters," Samantha said excitedly.
"I know! You'll be a great addition to the family," Victoria said looking at Theresa.
"Thanks guys, that means a lot to me," Theresa replied, unable to keep the smile off of her face.
"Group hug!" Charity said before grabbing Theresa and her sisters into a hug all the while laughing with them.
Fox sat at another table with his father, grandfather, and Brady.
"You're a lucky man," Julian said.
"I know," Fox replied watching Theresa as she laughed along with his sisters. Turning to the people at his table, Fox spoke again.
"I want to ask you guys a favor," he said. Turning to his father and grandfather he said, "I would like you two to be groomsmen in the wedding."
"I'd be honored to," Julian replied.
"Me too," Alistair added.
"Thank you," Fox replied. "And you," he said turning to Brady. "It's a give in that you're going to be my best man, am I right?"
"Definitely," Brady replied patting Fox on the back. "Like I'd let you pick someone else," he joked.
"Great, thanks again, all of you," Fox said looking at the three men.
"We're happy for you man, congratulations again," Brady said.
"Thanks," Fox said before turning his head to continue to look at Theresa.
A few hours later, Fox and Theresa were getting ready for bed in their hotel room.
"I still can't believe you went through the trouble of flying our friends over here, just for me," Theresa said.
"Well I figured you'd want them around for this important moment," Fox said as he started to nibble on Theresa's ear.
"You're so amazing, do you know that?" Theresa asked.
"I know, feel free to spread the word," Fox joked as he started to pull down the straps of Theresa's nightgown.
"I think I will," Theresa responded, barely able to concentrate on talking with Fox kissing her neck.
"You do that," Fox said before taking Theresa's lips in his own and making love to her. A few hours later, Theresa and Fox lay in bed thinking of all they had been through since they met each other.
"I love you so much, Theresa," Fox said as his eyelids started to feel heavy.
"I love you too, Fox," Theresa replied slowly drifting off to sleep with her fiancé.
TBC
I got the whole idea of Fox's proposal from an episode of 7th Heaven, lol it was the only thing I could think of.
Next Chapter - Theresa, Fox, Charity, and Brady decide to head back to Harmony - How does everyone react??
Please leave feedback!!!